Curator and Exhibitions Manger – Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, SUNY New Paltz


External Posting (Professional)

Applications are invited for consideration for appointment to the following position:

Department: Art Museum

Budget Title: Museum Curator

Local Title: Curator and Exhibitions Manager

Posting Date: November 11, 2022

Classification: SL-3

Duties: BACKGROUND
Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art at the State University of New York (SUNY) New Paltz has more than 9,000 square feet of exhibition space distributed over seven galleries. The permanent collection comprises almost 7,000 works of art, with a concentration on American art, especially of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Region, as well as photography and metals.

The Dorsky’s mission is to create art experiences that spark curiosity, critical thinking, and delight, connecting and serving the College and the diverse communities of our region. We are a hub for the art and artists of the Hudson Valley—free, open, and accessible to all.

The Dorsky has a seven-person staff, an active Advisory Board, and strong support from SUNY New Paltz’s faculty and administration. It maintains an ambitious temporary exhibition program with approximately six shows per year, curated both in-house and by guest curators. The Museum also produces a series of BFA and MFA student thesis shows at the end of each semester and regularly publishes catalogues that are distributed through SUNY Press.

For additional information, please visit the museum’s website: https://www.newpaltz.edu/museum/

POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Curator and Exhibitions Manager, in collaboration with the Museum team as well as campus and community stakeholders, will plan and organize an exciting and innovative exhibition schedule that furthers the mission of the Museum and effectively engages with the diverse audiences we serve. This position manages all aspects of Museum exhibitions, organizing guest curated exhibitions as well as their own shows, with registrarial and installation support provided by the Collections Manager and Preparator. The role includes regularly researching, proposing, and curating original exhibitions, however much of the role involves hands-on exhibition organizing and management. It would be a good fit for someone who enjoys working collaboratively and is inspired by connecting creatively with students and communities across the Hudson Valley.

PRIMARY ROLES

The Curator and Exhibitions Manager oversees the exhibitions department; developing, organizing, and managing the presentation of all temporary loan, juried, student, and collection exhibitions, which includes exhibitions curated by the Curator and Exhibitions Manager as well as guest curators.

The Curator and Exhibitions Manager project-manages all guest-curated exhibitions, being first point of contact and shepherding contractual deliverables. They are also responsible for all aspects of the development, research, and presentation of the exhibitions that they initiate. For all exhibitions, they collaborate with the Museum team and manage the execution of loan requests, shipping, installation logistics, and the production of interpretive and promotional materials.

The Curator and Exhibitions Manager works with the Director to develop and maintain exhibition budgets; to identify and apply for funding to support exhibitions; and helps with the production of special events and fundraising activities that advance the mission and programs of the Museum.

The Curator and Exhibitions Manager works with the Museum team to engage the diverse audiences we serve though inclusive curatorial practices and accessible exhibition programs, events, interpretative materials, and marketing.

The Curator and Exhibitions Manager is the supervisor for the Preparator. They also manage the Museum’s MFA Artist in Residence program

The position includes the optional opportunity to teach museum studies courses in the SUNY New Paltz Art History Department.

Required Qualifications: 
• A minimum of a master’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Curatorial Studies or a related field and/or equivalent demonstrated professional experience.
• A minimum of five years’ experience working in an exhibitions role; experience with the logistics of organizing exhibitions, excellent project management skills, attention to details, and experience with overseeing schedules and workflows.
• Evidence of a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in curatorial practice, programming, and audience engagement.
• Excellent writing ability and communication skills, and the ability to serve as a public-facing ambassador of the museum.
• Strong interpersonal skills, an aptitude for collaboration and relationship-building for working closely with museum and campus colleagues, as well as the diverse communities the museum serves.
• A positive, professional, and solutions-oriented approach to coordinating effectively with colleagues, guest curators, lenders of artwork, students, and artists.
Preferred:
• Familiarity with galleries or museums located on a college or university campus.
• Experience supervising the workload and performance of staff.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range is $70-72K, and benefits are generous.

Contact Information: Individuals with disabilities needing assistance with the application process should call (845) 257-3675.

Applications accepted until position is filled, with priority given to those received by 12/11/2022.
Electronic submission of application materials is required. Please apply by visiting https://jobs.newpaltz.edu/postings/1823. Applicants must include the following:
• A letter of application specifically addressing the qualifications listed above and describing their interest in the position
• CV
• Contact information for three professional references.

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; Priority by December 11, 2022; applications after December 11 will be reviewed.

Other important information about this vacancy: This position offers full New York State benefits which are among the most comprehensive in the country. The State University of New York at New Paltz is a highly selective, public college that is recognized regionally for the strength of its academic programs. It is located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley with easy access to New York City and other nearby recreational and cultural amenities.

SUNY New Paltz recognizes the unique skills, perspective, talents and passion that each employee contributes to its learning community. To work here is to accept an invitation to participate in the growth and development of all campus members—students, faculty and staff. The College’s commitment to inclusive excellence is an important part of our mission of public education and our culture. New Paltz continues to work on building a community that supports freedom, mutual respect, and civility. We seek others who support these values of diversity and inclusiveness and candidates of all diverse backgrounds who wish to participate in our cultural aspirations are welcome and encouraged to apply.

The State University of New York at New Paltz is an AA/EOE/ADA employer.

Federal law and regulations require notice to all prospective employees regarding crimes that have occurred on campus in the current three year period. Please refer to the University Police Web site for the complete Annual Security Report (Clery Report) at https://www.newpaltz.edu/firesafety/safetyreport.html.

Web Site: https://jobs.newpaltz.edu/postings/1823

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